Marcus Ward
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marqsward.bsky.social
Marcus Ward
@marqsward.bsky.social
500 followers 160 following 1.2K posts
Mental health meets magick.

Harnessing spirituality for personal growth, to help recover from burnout, tend old trauma wounds, and manage ADHD symptoms.

🏳️‍🌈 /|\ 🪷
Multiple
He/They
🩶🩵🤍🩵💛🩷
Caution: Loki hangs around me
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marqsward.bsky.social
Samhain at last!

Around midnight, I'll shift into remembrance and grief work, but today I find myself reflecting on the gifts of fear work: buff.ly/vIfjP8I

It was extremely challenging, but the insights made it seriously worth the work.

#MentalHealth #Halloween #HealingJourney #Samhain #courage
October 31, 2025 at 9:43 PM
marqsward.bsky.social
Tiz the season for introspection and grief work or connecting with and honoring what has come before, so it only feels right to share one of my most used rituals; a mental magick style spell outline you can customize and reuse:
buff.ly/wgQcoPd

/|\

#WitchSky #Pagan #MentalHealth #Samhain
Photo of a fire pit after dark, the flames reaching up towards the screen dome cover and setting the crescent moon and star shapes around the base aglow. Over the image are white words in sanserif font which read: Ritual of Release (Fire) A simple yet powerful fire ritual to support major life transitions." At the base in a water mark reads the authors handle: "MarcusWard.SubStack.Com" This redirects to my blog post which can also be found using this link: https://open.substack.com/pub/marcusward/p/ritual-of-release-fire?r=1xpwk9&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
October 30, 2025 at 12:03 AM
marqsward.bsky.social
Such an excellent idea, I have to share:
substack.com/@darshakrana...

#MentalHealth #Hope
October 28, 2025 at 11:01 PM
marqsward.bsky.social
Equinoxes are an invitation to reassess and re-balance; the Autumn Equinox especially prompts us to let go of what no longer works. My addiction to productivity led to a "crash" which made this deeply important truth clear to me.
buff.ly/T5lT3Yi
#Pagan #MentalHealth #WitchSky
September 24, 2025 at 4:45 PM
marqsward.bsky.social
We always have a choice. It may be small or the potential outcomes may seem all bad, but there is still a choice.
Our POVs, our actions, and even our reactions can all be chosen. Taking the reins is as challenging as it is rewarding. buff.ly/ObYwq5w
#WitchSky #MentalHealth #Mindful #Healing
Seven hematite stones with elder futhark runes carved into their surface are laid out across the leather of a BoS (Book of Shadows). This backdrop is decorated with golden, vine like designs around a six point star. Three runes at the center of this star, are clearly visible. From left to right they are Kenaz, Thurisaz, and Tyr. Together, the three can be read as a call for introspection, curiosity, and insight to navigate dark depths and face or overcome challenging obstacles especially where old wounds or misled warrior energy holds the reader back. It could also be seen as a call for warriors of light to heal themselves and, by extension, the world around them. Above and to the left of these, slightly out of focus, are four more runes. From left to right they are Mannaz, Ansuz, Radio, and Sowilu. Lined up together like this, they spell out Mars - a subtle nod to Tuesday which evokes energy of wise action for a successful journey. Note: the most potent reading for any viewer will be the one their intuition guides them towards, and many possibilities may be found beneath each of the runes pictured. In other words, do not limit yourself to the interpretation given here - seek what resonates.
September 16, 2025 at 2:58 PM
marqsward.bsky.social
The way we all talk about AI reminds me when we joked about Google being our new god; something beneath that joke bothered me though... and last I realized why. And then my muse demanded I write it down: buff.ly/dMg5zD6
Zoomed in picture of my keyboard focused on the Control, or Ctrl, key at the center. Symbolic of the hidden hierarchy behind what's become a sort of replacement for organized religion. White, Sans Serif font laid over the images reads "The Tech Religion: A HIdden Hierarchy" followed by "AI and Computer Science in general have stepped into where religious organizations once reigned supreme, but the game hasn't changed; it's all about control." Below that, in smaller font it states "Available September 9th, 2019" and a water mark at the bottom reads "MarcusWard.SubStack.Com" Written after months of feeling unsure why the way we talk about AI was so troubling. Now it seems obvious; to an ADHD, pagan recovering from burnout and focused on mental health and healing, this is naturally deeply unsettling.
September 9, 2025 at 4:11 PM
marqsward.bsky.social
My work with Hekate has been about roots as I process old wounds to work my way out of depression, towards healthy anger, and now it seems into the domain of forgiveness. Seems like She is calling on us to do deep inner work and transform US culture: buff.ly/HOTsSyz
A close up of a maple tree with leaves just beginning to turn gold and crimson in the early autumn. White, sans serif font summarizes an blog post on insights into US culture gained working with Hekate to heal old wounds and grow into deeper and healthier mindsets around culture, anger, depression, and forgiveness. The words read "Hekate has shown me the USA is rootless and all the ways the wounded, toxic fruits of this sickly tree show up every day." Followed by smaller font stating "Availible Septemeber 5th, 2025" and a water mark reading "MarcusWard.SubStack.Com"
September 5, 2025 at 3:14 AM
marqsward.bsky.social
Once I learned how to sit with my fear, there was nothing I couldn't do, so long as I truly wanted to.

#Inspirational #ShadowWork #Healing #EmotionalGrowth #TraumaHealing
A quote, by Susan Jeffers, in italics reads: We cannot escape fear. We can only transform it into a companion that accompanies us on all our exciting adventures.... Take a risk as day--one small or bold stroke that will make you feel great once you have done it.
September 2, 2025 at 11:57 PM
marqsward.bsky.social
It has begun.

The tree in our backyard has declared it time /|\

#Autumn #Fall #September #Pagan
September 1, 2025 at 6:02 PM
marqsward.bsky.social
August 20, 2025 at 10:47 PM
marqsward.bsky.social
2/2 Screen Shot of a newsletter sent by "yourboyfj" Frank James - for the week of August 18th, 2025 - the Word of the Week is "Puzzle"
August 20, 2025 at 10:47 PM
marqsward.bsky.social
He doesn't know I am doing this, but this week's word just needs sharing imo.

Because yes, life is a jigsaw puzzle.

P.S. If you like his style, and want weekly words too, you can subscribe here: www.yourboyfj.com/join

#WiseWords #Contemplate #Pagan #Mindful #MentalHealth
1/2 Screen Shot of a newsletter sent by "yourboyfj" Frank James - for the week of August 18th, 2025 - the Word of the Week is "Puzzle"
August 20, 2025 at 10:47 PM
marqsward.bsky.social
Mindlessly reaching for more of something (chips, scrolling, etc.) is a form of addiction.

Addiction is a way of treating a deeper issue.

The chips lack nutrients, so your hunger remains.

Social media lacks true connection, so the loneliness remains.

#MentalHealth #SelfCare #BlackOutTheSystem
July 30, 2025 at 11:47 PM
marqsward.bsky.social
As the moon and sun begin to wane, I find myself drawn back within, seeing baggage to release and seeking a new giant to face.

At the full moon, Hekate called and my rune reading outlined a deeper course. Last night, I consented.

/|\

#Pagan #WitchSky #FullMoon #Lughnasadh #Hekate #InnerWork
The rune thurisaz in black on a white back drop. This rune reminds me that heroes are not born but made, they arise from acts of courage where fearful meets determination or passion and hard choices are made to face the challenge (or "giant") in their path.
July 13, 2025 at 4:59 PM
marqsward.bsky.social
The moon has such a distinct cross/sunwheel to it tonight; even my camera can pick it out.

/|\

#Pagan #FullMoon #Esbat #Cat #SummerNight
A siamese cat (Durin) sits gazing out the window with me, as I contemplate the full moon and the equal armed cross of light extended out from that pure and pale center of light in a dark sky. Esbat vibes abound this evening.
July 11, 2025 at 6:51 AM
marqsward.bsky.social
Every time I bake my own bread, I am both connecting to Brigid and rejecting the BS that is our late-stage/post capitalism BS world.

Bonus: I've also noticed my health is improving.
#Pagan #Brigid #Bread #Health #Rebel
Four freshly baked, large sourdough rolls - the remains of a larger batch which we used for buns to hold our grilled burger dinner. Baking sourdough bread has become a roughly weekly habit for me now and always feels like a small ritual or act of communion that connects me more deeply with Brigid.
July 7, 2025 at 8:00 AM
marqsward.bsky.social
I just started a new book (see below), that blends mindfulness with mental health in some intriguing and effective ways.

I DIY'd myself into a similar set of practices, so finding this take on it is both helpful and validating.

#Mindful #HealingJourney #Therapy #BookRecommendation
Book cover with a water color esq teal, coral, and earth tone image of bamboo growing on a hill overlooking water. Title and author details in white and black san-serif font read: "When Therapy Doesn't Work" "A Mindfulness Guide to Emotional Repair" by Shelly Young and Shinzen Young with voice work (for the audiobook edition) by Elizabeth Reninger
June 30, 2025 at 11:28 PM
marqsward.bsky.social
In case you aren't on TikTok, here is the video. But basically, just get a whole lot of your cleansing herb of choice and load up the fire pit. #Sage #Cleanse #WitchSky #Pagan #TurnTheUSAOffAndOnAgain
June 26, 2025 at 5:17 AM
marqsward.bsky.social
Here we go, into the summer.

As the days grow longer and the leaves thicker, we find more clear borders between the bright of day and the deep shadows cast by those who reach towards light.

/|\

#Pagan #Reflections #Beltane #Litha #Spring #Summer #ShadowWork #Insights
A path cuts between wetlands and the rise of trees now thick with leaves. Deep shadows form at the edges of trunks and along the base of bushes. A thin gravel path gives bold contrast to the otherwise lush green scene and reflects the pale light from above. Off to the upper left, the sun turns white cloud into a sheed of bold light before it heads towards bed.
May 16, 2025 at 8:06 PM
marqsward.bsky.social
I am not sure why finding this on my walk the other day struck me so strongly, but it left an impression that still feels potent a few days later.

So I am sharing it with #witchyfinds and giving it space in my full moon meditation tonight.
A single lilly lays in the middle of a rocky path at sunset. It's white petals are tinged with golden-orange light that accentuates the delicate little patch of creamy yellow at its heart. This path has been raised between wetlands full of frogs, birch, and red cedar. It leads from residential and road filled spaces into a small patch of woods. One of my local havens.
May 12, 2025 at 11:45 PM
marqsward.bsky.social
Spring here is marked by storms that often appear unexpectedly (like life).

When the storms pass, right around May 1st, and the air feels different. The vibes have shifted. Summer has begun, and I can feel it keenly in the breeze, especially at night.

I feel summer here now.

/|\

#Beltane #Pagan
A gentle breeze traces its way between red maple to raspberry and around the quail coop. Birds and butterflies flit along, lifted and guided by its gentle hand. It is tracing out the shape of summer.
May 2, 2025 at 10:59 PM
marqsward.bsky.social
I am not sure about the details, but it seems like my cats had a May Day / Beltane celebration of some sort last night.

I woke up to find this:

#MayDay #Beltane #Pagan #Cats #Weird
An odd collection of cat toys, a feather (gifted to the cats) and a handful of uneaten dry food (which had to be brought from across the living room) are laid out in an almost circle on the floor. They are positioned where rug and hardwood meet and between a dog bed and dogfood dish. Crunchies spill from rug towards hardwood, pointing the way to an abundance of toys.
May 2, 2025 at 10:02 PM
marqsward.bsky.social
Life feels heavy, intense, and overwhelming these days. Spoons are in short supply. I'm using self-care - prioritizing refueling, restful activities.

I may not be posting the pictures I take or even taking them daily, but I am getting so much from #WitchWalks

You're posts help. Thank you ❤️
3 small, powdery blue flowers blooming in a shady patch of grass. A little ways off, bursts of yellow and bright, sunlit borders frame this island of shade. They reflect my own situation well: Finding beauty in the darkness. Looking out at the cheerfulness around me to remember it is Spring - a time of life and renewal. Once again I am deeply grateful for my spiritual practice and especially the meditations that give me such clear sight even through tears.
April 24, 2025 at 9:20 PM
marqsward.bsky.social
Huh... I have a stone like that I've kept since childhood and recently found another - both live on my main alter now (one on each side).

I might need to dig into this... Thanks for sharing!

I'll add pics in case you're willing to weigh in on them.
April 22, 2025 at 7:51 PM
marqsward.bsky.social
Sometimes the human made compliments the natural.

/|\

Coming back inside a couple days ago, I paused to appreciate the creative planter my partner set up a couple weeks ago.

Reduce. Reuse. 💚

#WitchyWalks #Pagan
An old tuba given new life as a planter. Warm, late afternoon sunlight baths a young Trailing Rosemary just before sunset.
April 18, 2025 at 6:38 PM